At the other end of the world, the Antarctic Peninsula is a study in contrasts. You sail into iceberg-filled bays and along rugged coasts, visiting penguin rookeries and abandoned whaling stations. Setting foot on the 7th continent, crossing the Antarctic Circle or following in the footsteps of early explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton are travel feats few can lay claim to.

In the Antarctic, where you go really depends on how much time you have. Crossing the Drake Passage is first on the agenda. While most companies have you sail its sea-sickness inducing, notoriously rough waters, that isn’t how we do things at Zoom Vacations. We take this wild card out of the equation, by flying over the Drake Passage.

This shaves off a little time, so you can make the most of every minute. We can get you kayaking the bays, cruising around icebergs and camping out under the Antarctic night sky in next to no time.

Your adventure begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, the most populated city in southern Patagonia. If you arrive early, there are many museums, restaurants and shops to keep you busy for days.

By early afternoon, a Quark Expeditions representative will meet you at the official starting point hotel, where you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner and be briefed about preparing for your embarkation day.

Day 2 - February 15, 2020Embarkation Day

Your charter flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica will have you crossing the legendary Drake Passage in only a few hours. Far below, the ship will approach King George Island for your arrival. Your first glimpse of dramatic Antarctic landscapes will be from a unique perspective, as your plane descends for landing in the South Shetland Islands.

After landing, stretch your legs and spend time exploring the island before being transferred by Zodiac to your ship to set sail for the Antarctic Peninsula!

Days 3 to 6 - February 16, 2020 - February 19, 2020 Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands

There are few places in the world as evocative as Antarctica. As your ship approaches the White Continent, you may be overcome by feelings of excitement and awe. Much of Antarctica is indescribable and can only be fully appreciated through your own eyes.

As your captain and Expedition Team keep a lookout for whales and seabirds, you’ll be alerted to any new sightings. Our team of expert lecturers will also provide in-depth explanations of the geology, history and wildlife of the region.

Even more exciting are your daily land excursions. Your first Zodiac landing is something you’ll never forget! Walking up to a beach dotted with penguins and seals is the most intimate way to experience the unique wildlife of Antarctica.

Each landing is different and is dependent on weather, but every day presents new sightings and photo opportunities, and it won’t be long before you can tell the difference between an Adélie, gentoo or chinstrap penguin.

You may take a Zodiac cruise in search of whales and icebergs around Pleneau Island one day, followed by a hike to a penguin rookery the next day. From the booming sound of a calving glacier at Neko Harbour to the thrill of watching a leopard seal as it hunts a penguin, you’ll wake up early and welcome each day with a sense of excitement and a desire to explore that which is unrivaled by any other travel experience.

Your Expedition Team will be with you all along the way, providing insights into the places you visit.

Day 7 - February 20, 2020Disembark and Fly to Punta Arenas

After your week of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark at King George Island. Your three-hour flight across the Drake Passage to Punta Arenas, Chile, brings your adventure to an end.

After your transfer from the airport to the hotel, you are free to explore and enjoy one final dinner to reminisce about the sights and sounds of Antarctica.

Day 8 - February 21, 2020Depart Punta Arenas, Chile

After breakfast, you are welcome to continue on your own travels or make your way to the Punta Arenas airport for your homeward flights.

Important reminder: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy – and excitement – of expedition travel. There are no guarantees that we can achieve everything we set out to accomplish. A measure of flexibility is something all of us must bring to a voyage. There are nearly 200 recognized sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned above may be changed to others equally as interesting.

Quark Expeditions World Explorer

Distinct and comfortable, refined and roomy—these attributes and more describe World Explorer. Not only will it be among the fastest ships in Antarctica, it will also be one of the finest, with six tiers of deluxe accommodation.

The personal space is exceptional. Every cabin has either a private walk-out or Juliet balcony for direct ocean views. World Explorer also delivers plenty of public areas to unwind in after a day outdoors, including the glass-domed Observation Lounge for quiet contemplation and full skyline views, the Explorer Lounge for a drink and a chat, and the library for more intimate relaxing and reading. Presentations and discussions are facilitated in a dedicated lecture theatre.

Health and wellness facilities feature an outdoor running track, a small gym and a sauna, plus a spa with change rooms, showers and lockers. For the active adventurers, add-ons include kayaking, camping and stand-up paddleboarding.

Blending high design with total functionality, World Explorer is all set to be your home away from home on the seas.

Built for Polar ExpeditionsWorld Explorer delivers the contemporary accommodations and exceptional service of premium hotels to guests in the world’s most remote region, Antarctica. Currently under construction in Portugal, this ship is engineered with guest enjoyment of our uniquely active and immersive polar expeditions in mind.

World Class Service
Exceptional cuisine and friendly, attentive service by uniformed onboard staff elevate expedition dining to a memorable experience.

Comfortable All Suites, All Balcony Accommodations
Spacious suites designed to meet the unique needs of polar travelers offer a welcoming sanctuary with private Antarctic and ocean views. A heated outdoor swimming pool, gym and spa, and outdoor running track help guests unwind after each exploratory experience.

Adventure OptionsWorld Explorer also maximizes the off-ship experience with plenty of activities. Sea kayaking, camping and stand-up paddle boarding each provide an interesting new vantage point from which to experience the wonder of the 7th continent.

Buenos Aires Add-On Trip

We recommend you add on 2-4 nights in Buenos Aires at the beginning of the trip.

The spirit of Puerto Madero streams through your windows into a space of minimal old-world elegance. Your room is your oasis perched above Buenos Aires' most dynamic new neighbourhood.

Escape from the busy city with pure white Empire-style furnishings that create a stylish sanctuary. Or bring the tango to your suite through your Dolby home entertainment center.

Faena Hotel Buenos Aires is set in the heart of Buenos Aires, just steps from the city's riverside promenade and ecological reserves and only 5 minutes from the financial district, the government house, and historic San Telmo. The Jorge Newbery Domestic Airport is a 20-minute drive, and it s approximately 40 minutes to Ezeiza International Airport.

• Stunning views of the city or the River Plate and ecological reserve
• Glass-fitted bathroom with marble floors and separate walk-in shower and water closet
• Custom linen, bedding and bathrobes
• Down comforters and pillows. Artisanal bed throws
• Bose Home Theatre Systems with flat screen High Definition Television
• Wireless telephones and complimentary WiFi
• In-Room Safe with capacity for laptop
• Your personal Experience Manager can arrange nearly any other request.

Relax on a deck chair, at a table or at a booth, and take in the spectacle of one of Buenos Aires' most dramatic pools. Enjoy a selection of fresh fruit juice and exotic cocktails poolside, and enjoy the serenity.

Be it a morning coffee, a healthy lunch, or a quiet spot to read or catch up with friends, the Library Lounge offers the perfect setting. Overstuffed velvet sofas, sumptuous oriental rugs and crystal candelabras create a space that is at once elegant and intimate. True to its name, the Library Lounge is stocked with antique books, perfect for whiling away an afternoon with a glass of local wine or a cocktail.

Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 355 sq. ft. (33 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 110 sq. ft. (10 sq. m) walk-out balcony with access from sitting room and bedroom. A separate sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower, his & hers sinks, and bathtub is also featured in each cabin.Note: Single occupancy price is $36,990

$ 18,495

Veranda Suite

Located on Decks 5 and 6, and approximately 215 sq. ft. (20 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A sitting area with sofa, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.Note: Single occupancy price is $26,511

$ 15,595

Triple Cabin

Located on Deck 6, and approximately 242 sq. ft. (22.5 sq. m) in size, these cabins have one double or two single beds, and a 55 sq. ft. (5 sq. m) walk-out balcony. A separate combo sitting area/bedroom with a sofa bed and additional closet, refrigerator, TV, state of the art “infotainment” system, and private bathroom with shower is also featured in each cabin.

• Rates are per person and do not include International airfare, and trip cancellation insurance, subject to change up to confirmation.

• DepositPlease note: First deposit: 25% of package price, due upon confirmation of reservation
Second deposit: 25% of package price, 180 days before departure
Final Payment: Balance (50% of package price) due 120 days before departureFlexible Vacation Payment Plan available